
Class 

Book 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



LOWER KENNEBEC 



16 2-1889 



-BY- 



/ 

Parker McCobb Reed, 



AUTHOR OF "HISTORY OF THR RRNCH AND BAR OF WISCONSIN. 
TRESIDENT vSAGADAHOC HISTORICAI, SOCIETY. MEMBER 
MAINE STATE iWS^^eftiC^L SOCIETY. 




BATH, MAINE. 

1889. 






Copyrighted 1889 
BY PARKER M. REED. 



Sentinel and Times Print, Bath, Maine. 




PREFACE, 



/ 0% 



It ma}- in truth be said that there is no region in North 
America richer in ancient historic events than the valley of 
the Kennebec River. This is especially' true of the lower por- 
tion, from Merry meeting Bay to the ocean, which was called 
Sagadahoc two hundred and fifty years ago. The occupancy of 
thi'=' river ante-dates Plymouth thirteen years and the old Bay 
State Colony twenty-one years. 

The Kennebec was explored and its resources were extolled 
b}' vo^-agers from England and France as early as 1602, and 
these nations were rivals for supremacy here for many years. 

The wonderful descriptions given b}^ the historian of Wa}'- 
mouth's voyage in 1605, fired the English heart from prince to 
yeoman to possess this "goodly and benefyciall of all rivers," 
in consequence of which the English succeeded in holding 
almost continuous possession from that time onward. 

The first sermon preached on the main land in New Eng- 
land, was at the mouth of the Kennebec. The first vessel ever 
built in this country was launched into these Avaters ; it marked 
the beginning of that special industry which has made the 
Kennebec famous throughout the world. From the commence- 
ment of the Indian wars in 1675 until permanent peace after 1759 
the settlers on the Kennebec endured more hardships, cruelty 



4 PREFACE. 

and devastations from the savaj^e foe, than were experienced in 
ahnost any other part of the conntr}-. 

In the territor}- comprising Maine, the first hostile blow was 
struck at Sagadahoc, and here also the tribes were the last to 
relent. These events give an interesting and |>eculiar charm to 
the history of the Lower Kennebec. Our sources of informa- 
tion regarding them are parti}' tradition, and partly fragmentary 
writing more or less inaccurate. 

But to gather up these events, to sift fact from fancy, to 
correct dates as far as possible and to place in permanent form 
that which is worthy of being lianded down to posterity, has 
been the aim of the historical researches embodied in this 
work. Infallibility is not cl-iimed ; no historian ever attains 
that desired end, but careful investigation and personal effort 
have been given to the preparation of this story of the Lower 
Kennebec. 

With the intention of eventually making an entire volume, 
the plan of a series has been adopted as the most desirable 
method of publication. Each number issued will contain the 
history of a certain era, complete in itself, even if detached 
from the series. The number of parts ma}- not exceed six. 

Parkeh McCobb Eeed. 
Bath, October 1, 1889. 



I. 

THE KENNEBEC. 



Since its discovery by the Eiiglisli this river has been termed 
the "noble Kennebec." No such flattering appellation has been 
given to any other stream in New England, thougli many of 
them can boast of fine proportions and are made attractive 
by picturesque scenery. The vast volume of water comprising 
this river may be seen in the fact that a United States Govern- 
ment survey found one thousand streams and three hundred 
lakes and ponds contributing to it, whose outlet to the ocean 
is through the Sagadahoc' 

From the outlet of Merrymeeting Buy, two miles above Bath, 
to the mouth of the river, a distance of fourteen miles, the 
water is deep, with an ample channel for the ebb and flow of 
the ocean tides which reach back to the Upper Kennebec. 
Numerous islands dot its surface, while headlands, bluffs, and 
grassy meadows alternate in its course. Leaving Merrymeet- 
ing Bay^ where the Androscoggin, Cathance and Eastern rivers 
mingle with the Kennebec, the Sagadahoc rushes through a nar- 
row channel called the Chops, hemmed in by high, rocky 
abutments, into that broad, straight section of the river 
called Long Eeach, extending a distance of three miles, 
making a perfect harbor for vessels of the largest size. About 
two miles below Bath, the City of Ships, the river makes an 

^ "Going out of waters into the sea." 

-Meeting- of the tribes in Conncil and revclrj-. Indian name Qnabacook. 



6 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

abrupt turn tlironoh I'Fidcllers reach," wliere in ancient times a 
violinist fell overboard from a passing vessel, and Avas drowned, 
the incident giving the spot its name. 

Making another short turn, the river narrows, then widens 
again from Bluff Head into Jones' Eddy, immediately below 
which was the first permanent settlement on the Lower Kenne- 
bec. Passing the pleasant village of Phipsburg, the river 
sweeps to the left and seaward, broadening at Parkers Flats, 
which is a well known anchorage ground for vessels of all sizes. 
On the right is -'Coxs Head, which was surmounted by a fort 
during the war of 1812, and from which there is a magnificent 
view of land and water. From Fort Popham, a mile below at 
the mouth of the river, a hard, smooth beach stretches a dis- 
tance of six miles to Cape Small Point. At the left, looking sea- 
ward, lies a group of islands enclosing two small bays, while in 
the distance is the island of Seguin, resembling a rocky sen- 
tinel jealously guarding this most interesting river, with Pond 
Island nearer the mouth. 

Constantly narrowing and widening, its blufts and headlands 
crowned with a primeval forest, this river was a surprise and 
delight to the exploring expedition of Waymouth in 1805, whose 
ship first attempted a passage to Long Reach. The historian''^ 
of the voyage writes, "any man may conceive with what admir- 
ation we all consented in joy to enter this river. Many of our 
Company who had been travelers in sundry countries and in 
most famous rivers affirmed them not comparable to this, the 
most beautiful, rich, and secure harboring river that the world 

'Universally so termed. 

"Formerly owned bv John Cocks and desipnated in ancient documents as 
"Cocks' High Head." 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 7 

affordetli. Sir Walter Ealeigh in his voyage to Guiana, on 
the discovery of the river Oronoque, which echoed fame to 
the ears of the world, gave reasons why it was not to be 
compared with this which overruleth the dangers of many 
shoals, and broken ground therewith that was encumbered. 
Others place it before that notable river in the west called the 
Rio Grande ; some before the rivers Loire, Seine and Bordeaux, 
in France, which though they be great and goodly rivers, yet 
it is no detraction for them to be accounted inferior to this." 

*"The river is deep, of a good width, and winds beautifully on 
towards the ocean, in an exquisitely delightful and happy 
vale, between verdant hills, rural scenes; its waters swarm with 
fish of many choice varieties, and is one of the deepest, 
safest and most convenient for navigation of any in America." 

The Eev. J. Bailey, first missionary of the Episcopal church 
to this river in the middle of the last century, celebrates its 
varied beauties and grandeur in verse : 

The verdant banks of Kennebec, 
Which numerous plants and flowers bedect, 
Thou great majestic stream. 
To swell whose silent, sullen tide, 
A thousand lesser rivers glide, 
And now my favorite theme. 

Oft have I seen thy waters pour, 

And with rough horrors foam and roar, 

Adown the precipice ; 
And with impetuous fury force 
Along the winding shores its course, 

To mingle with the seas. 

•■■Gorges narration. 



II. 

DISCOVERY OF THE RIVER, 



Muine was the pioneer in the fonndinj]; of New England. Its 
coast, bays, harbors and rivers with their ricli prodncts of fish, 
fur and lumber, attracted the attention of the earliest exploi ers. 

According to some authorities, the title of Maine came from 
the Province of Mayne in France, then the property of Qaeen 
Henrietta, of England, while others assert that it was given to 
the main land in contradistinction to the multitude of islands 
that fringe its coast. 

The Lower Kennebec is rich in historic lore ; no section of 
North America equals it in the record of important events. 
Connected with its ancient history is tliat of the early explor- 
ations of this coast. As remote as the year 1000 the Nor^e 
navigators came down from the higher latitudes and sailed 
along the coast of Maine. They were bold and skillful 
seamen, navigating without chart, log, compass or quad- 
rant. Investigation of records among the archives of Iceland 
develops the fact that Erickson, the famous Norse navigator, 
discovered North America, sailing to and along our shores, 
fully live hundred years before the discoveries of Columbus. In- 
deed, it is suspected that Columbus obtained from the accounts 
of the voyages of these ancient navigators, the clow to his 
own discoveries. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 9 

The Norsemen ma}^ have hincled on the shores of the Saga- 
dahoc, as they engaged in fisheries on our coasts. An ancient 
historian says, "They erected temporary huts at various points 
in which they dwelt while catching and curing the splendid iish 
then to be found on this every way .wonderful coast." "They 
called them Booths, hence Booth Bay, the Bay of Booths." 

Notwithstanding the pronjinent position now held b}' Eng- 
land among the nations of the world, at the time North America 
was colonized by Europeans, France and Spain overshadowed 
her. Holland was also a greater commercial power, Laving 
two thousand ships, which monopolized the carrying trade, 
whereas England at that time had about two hundred onl}-. 
When it became evident that the possession of the wide-spread 
territory of North America Mould become of value to any 
nation, there was great rivalry among European monarchs to 
secure it. 

Henry VII, of England sent over the two explorers John and 
Sebastian Cabot ; the former claimed to have discovered and 
perhaps landed on the main land of North America in 1497, 
and the king paid him ten pounds for discovering a continent. 

*By a mere accident, America barely escaped becoming Span- 
ish territor}-. The ships bearing Columbus and his companions 
were heading northward, when a flock of birds flew by them, go- 
ing in a southerly direction. Beheving that by following the 
course taken by these birds they would make land, they headed 
the ships according^, which brought them to discover an is- 
land farther south on which they landed and took possession in 
the name of the crown of Spain. Had the landing been farther 

iDike. 



10 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

north and on the main, the new world would in all proba- 
bility have become Spanish territory. 

For nearly a century, the discoveries on this continent re- 
mained unutilized. With the Elizabethan age, productive 
of important events, came the enterprise in 1584 of Sir Walter 
Ealeigh in his attempt to colonize Southern Virginia. Al- 
though an unsuccessful adventure, it proved the forerunner of 
other and more successful undertakings. 

Before the year 1600, France planted a colony on the St. Law- 
rence and subseqnently,by assumed right of priority of possession 
claimed the territory extending from the Hudson to Newfound- 
land. England followed, asserting right to the same territory 
and niade her claim good by occupying Sagadahoc. While it 
was believed that this country was supremely rich in material 
resources, the aim to plant its peculiar religious tenets in this 
virgin country, actuated each nation. Hitherto, the Vatican 
held sway over the thrones and peoples of Europe, but at this 
time England had thrown off the Papal yoke. She success- 
fully displaced France and finally established her jurisdiction ; 
New France became North Virginia and Protestant soil. 

Thus within the domain of the "Ancient Dominions", in- 
cluding in its scope the territory of the Lower Kennebec, Avas 
planted the germ of English supremacy, raising that nation 
from a third-rate power to one of the first rank, and laying' the 
foundation of her future greatness. 

The first attempt of English people to make a permanent 
settlement under a charter north of the Potomac was within 
these borders. 

With hor later colony of Plymouth, the old Bay State has 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. H 

asserted the prestige of this glorious consummation. The 
eloquence of a Webster and an Everett, and the sentimental 
lays of a Hemans, have thrown a charm around the primitive 
dwellings of these rude pioneers, that is largely imagination. 
Impartial historians of this later day have aroused a wide 
spread interest in all that pertains to the early settlements of 
New England, of which none can take precedence of those on 
the Kennebec ; the earliest ships floated on its waters and 
the earliest settlers located upon its shores. 




III. 

ANCIENT SAGADAHOC. 



E.irly in the seventeenth century, Eno;Uind made her first 
attempt at permanent settlement on the Sagadahoc. 

Gosnold was sent over in the barque Concord in 1602. He 
entered the mouth of the Kennebec, the lower section of 
which was then called Sagadahoc. He made surveys and de- 
sired also to make a settlement, for which purpose he had 
brought with him "twenty men to remain as population," but 
they uttt^-ly refused to comply with his demands, so he returned 
home without accomplishing the principal object of his voyage. 

During the next year, 1603, Martin Pring came over in com- 
mand of a ship of 50 tons and was accompanied b}' another of 
26 tons. These vessels brought clothing, hardware and 
trinkets to exchange for furs and sassafras, which latter was 
considered at that day a medicinal plant of great value. Ac- 
cording to the accounts in the journal of the voyage, this nav- 
igator came into the Kennebec ; "did not pierce far into the 
land ;" made special mention of the "very goodly groves 
and woods and sundry sorts of beasts," but saw no inhabitants. 

This voyage was followed by the expedition of De Monts to 
this coast, under a grant to him from the French crown of all 
the territory from the Hudson to the St. Croix. 

In 1605 De Monts, with some other gentlemen of note, ac- 
companied Champlain on an exploring voyage to the coast of 
Maine, entered the Sheepscot River July 5, and came into the 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 13 

"Qninibeqny" by the way of Wiscasset and the Sasanoa ; pen- 
etrated north as far as Merrymeeting Bay ; returned down the 
river and anchored at its mouth. They continued their voyage 
southward and returned again to the Kennebec on July 25. 
Here De Monts set up a cross, claiming as French territory the 
entire country comprising his grant. Having, liowever, made 
no settlement west of the St. Croix, his assumed jurisdiction 

came to naught. 

waymouth's voyage. 

While the French expeditions were in progress, the English 
people became excited. 

What most directly concerns us however, is the next expe- 
dition sent out from England. This was the famcjus voyage of 
'Waymouth. 

Lord Arundel, together with other noblemen of England, un- 
dertook the enterprise of sending out an exploring expedition 
under the command of George Waymouth, in the ship Arch- 
angel, which started from Bristol at 10 o'clock on May 5, 1605, 
on a voyage of discovery to the coast of Maine and to find a 
place "fit for any man to inhabit." 

It was given out that the object of his mission was the dis- 
covery of a northwest passage to India. With him were 
scientific men who had been with Gosnold, one of whom was 
Rosier, the historian of Waj'mouth's voyage. In all there Avere 
twenty-eight people on the ship. 

Waymouth made Cape Cod May 16th, and immediately 
directed his course northeasterly to reach the coast of Maine. 

'The using of "a" in Waymouth is according to his autograph, his descendants 
living in Maine. — Bancroft, Belknap, Willis, Lapham, De Costa, Dike. Ma.ss. His. 
Col. Vol. XVIII, Page S6. Burrage. L,etter of Queen Elizabeth on Waj^mouth's 
voyage. 



14 THE LOW£R KENNEBEC. 

Oil the uapriiing of the 18th, at 8 o'clock, the "mean 
hi<];h huul" was found to be ''an ishmd of some six miles in 
compass," on the north side of which the ship was at length 
anchored at about a league from the shore. To this island 
the discoverer gave the name of St. George, but it has since 
taken the Indian name of Monhegan, signifying Grand Island. 
At 2 o'clock, the captain with twelve men, visited the island in 
a boat without penetrating its interior and returned with a 
load of dry wood picked up on the beach. 

They found the island '"woody, grown with fir, birch, oak and 
beech, as far as we saw along the shore. On the verge grew 
gooseberries, strawl)erries, wild peach and wild rose bushes. 
Tlje water issued forth down the rocky cliff in many places ; 
and many fowl of divers kinds breed upon the shore and rocks." 

Rosier says : "The next day being Whitsunday ; because we 
rode too open to the sea and winds, we weighted anchor 
about 12 o'clock, and came along to the other island more 
adjoining to the main, about three leagues from the first island 
where we had anchored. Here we found a convenient harbor, 
in a most safe berth, defended from all winds, in an excellent 
depth of water for ships of any burthen." This they named 
Pentecost Harbor, in remembrance of the providence that had 
brought them in safety "unto so secure a harbor," and of the 
coincidence of their having anchored there on Pentecost Day. 
Here Waymouth set up a cross. 

"We in the ship espied three canoes coming towards us, 
which went to the island adjoining, where they went ashore and 
very quickly made a fire, about which they stood beholding our 

'Rosier. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 15 

ship ; to whom we made signs with our hands, and liuts, waffing 
unto them to come unto us, because we had not seen any of the 
people yet." 

"Their clothing is beaver skins or deer skins cast over them 
like a mantle, and hanging down to their knees, made fast 
together upon the shoulders with leather ; some of them has 
sleeves, most had none ; some has buskins of such leather 
sewed ; they have besides a piece of beaver skin between their 
legs, made fast about their waist." 

"They suffer no hair to grow on their faces, but on their head 
very long and very black, which those tliat have wives bind up 
behind with a leather string in a long, round knot. 

"They seemed all very civil and merry, showing tokens of 
much thankfulness for those things we gave them. We found 
them a people of exceeding good invention, quick understand- 
ing and ready capacity. Their canoes are made without any 
iron, of the bark of a birch tree, strengthened within with ribs 
and hoops of wood, in so good fashion, with such excellent 
ingenious art as they are able to bear seven or eight persons, 
far exceeding any in the Indies." 

The weight of evidence tends to place this harbor among the 
islands of Booth Bay. They enjoyed '"the pleasant fruitfuUiess 
of these islands, among the fragrant fir trees, out of whicli 
issued turpentine in so marvelous plenty, and so sweet, as our 
chiurgeon and others affirmed, they never saw so good in Eng- 
land ; with much gum congealed on the outside of the bark, 
which sraelled like frankincense." 

To test the fertility of the soil they planted a variety of 

^Rosier. 



16 THE LOWElt KENNEBEC. 

seeds, which, liofore they left, grow in sixteen days to the heij^ht 
of eight inches or move. 

On the hxrgest ishind "we set together a pinnace, which we 
brought in pieces over from E'.ighind." The pinnace or slial- 
\o\) is a hirge l)oat reseujblii.g a whale boat. It was the pur- 
pose to make an extensive exi)loration of the coast with this 
craft. '"The captain with thirteen men, at about ten o'clock on 
the thirtjeth of May, departed on the shallop or pinnace, with 
all our prayers for their prosperous discovery, leaving the ship 
in a good harbor, well moored." 

Having completed his explorations, the captain returned to 
the ship and brought the welcome news that he had "discov- 
ered a great river, trending alongst into the main forty miles, 
and b}^ the breadth, depth and strong tide, he believed it to run 
far up into the land." 

Evidence goes to show that this was the river -'Kennebec, 
which had been reached through the Sasanoa passage. Emi- 
nent historians coincide in declaring that the Kennebec agrees 
best with Waymouth's observation of the latitude. 

Preparations were now made to take the ship up this newly- 
discovered river. 

Before heading his ship for the Kennebec, Waymouth ab- 
ducted live Indians, an act which has often been condemned by 
historians, but which was highly approved in England. It 
marked an era ; it was the beginning of the end of the native 
inhabitants of North America to be superceded by Europeans. 

Booth Bay and its islands were favorite hunting and fishing 
grounds of the red men. At the time of AVaymouth's voyage, 

■Rosier. -"The river now known as the Kennebec." — De Co.sta. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. ^'^ 

the natives had possibly never seen a European, and the ex- 
plorers had been some time in Pentecost Harbor before they 
encountered the dwellers on the soil. 

On one island they had found the smouldering embers of a 
recent fire and near by the "shells of very great eggs, 
bicger than goose eggs," together with bones of fishes and 
beasts, but although they searched the island diligently they 
failed to find the makers of the feast, who evidently were dis- 
pleased and terrified at the presence of the white men and of a 
".n-eat canoe with pinions" as they designated the Archangel, 
"one evening, the restless movements of the dogs on ship- 
board directed the attention of the ship's crew to three canoes 
liahtly approaching the island nearest the ship, and soon the 
bright flame of fire that had been kindled on the shore, revealed 
the" forms of several savages. Waymouth's men looked with 
keen curiosity at this picturesque group and waving their hands 
and hats to attract the attention of the Indians, they beckoned 
to them to come nearer. 

After some hesitation one canoe with three men, put oft' for 
the ship. When quite near, one of them spake in his language 
very lou 1 and very bokl, apparently, asking, "Why she was 
here ?" and pointing his oar toward the open sea niotioned 
"that she should be gone." 

Then from the ship gay trinkets were held up. The canoe 
came "close aboard" and with evident delight the savages re- 
ceived bracelets, rings, and peacock feathers, (with which they 
adorned their hair,) and tobacco pipes, and gaily returned to 
their companions on shore. The next day, when the natives 
again came to the ship, they were made to understand that the 



18 THE LOWEK KENNEBEC. 

chief object of the visit of the ship to their shores was the 
exchange of kuives and other goods, for skins and furs. They 
then became friendly. 

INTERCOURSE BETWEEN THE ENGLISHMEN AND THE NATIVES. 

The confidence of the savages being thus easily gained, they 
freely came aboard the Archangel, and were eager to examine 
the mysteries of the ship. They promenaded the smooth deck, 
they lifted the big ropes, they peered in at the cabin windows, 
and wondered at the kettles and armour they saw there. At the 
report of firearms they fell flat upon their faces, exhibiting the 
greatest terror. The}' ate freely the food offered them but would 
touch nothing raw. The shining pewter plates they very much 
admired. 

Sometimes they spent the night on board, but would always 
sleep in an old sail on the orlop. They dined with the captain 
and nothing they found to eat pleased them quite so well as the 
cooked peas. They brought rich otter and sable skins and 
bestowed them upon the ship's company in exchange for more 
trifles. 

^"Our captaine showed them a strange thing which they won- 
dered at. His sword and mine having been touched with the 
Loadstone, tooke up a knife and held it fast when they plucked 
it away, made the knife turn, being laid on a bloeke, and touch- 
ing it with his sword, made that take up a needle, whereat they 
much marvelled. This we did to cause them to imagine some 
great power in us, and for that to love and feare us." 

Wlien the captain and his crew visited the natives on shore, 
deer skins were spread by the fire for them to sit upon, and to 

iRosier. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 19 

their guests they offered tobacco, and pipes that were cun- 
ningly made of lobster claws. The home of these savages was 
picturesque Pemaquid by the sea, which was destined to be- 
come a point of historical importance. 

Early one Monday morning, several canoes came about the 
ship and with urgent signs the occupants desired captain Way- 
mouth to go with them "to the main" as they had "much furs 
and tobacco for trade." Captain Way mouth manned the light- 
horse-man with fifteen rowers and set out for the shore. The 
speed of the guiding canoe was marvelous. It would shoot 
ahead and then coming back would circle round the row boat, 
the white men all the time rowing as fast as they could. They 
glided over the waves like a wind driven ship, and if a cross wave 
turned their canoe upside down, by swimming they righted her 
and scrambled aboard again. 

In the canoe, one of the natives seemed intently numbering 
the ship's company, with his long bare arm pointing to one and 
then to another. After repeating this several times, they 
sped away to the shore, where the camp fires could be plainly 
seen. 

Disliking this manoeuvre, the captain decided not to laud un- 
less the savages left one of their most respected men as a 
pawn. This they utterly refused to do but pointed instead 
to a half frightened young savage in the stern. Waj'mouth 
finally permitted one of his men to go in the canoe, while he 
himself remained in his boat near the shore. Returning, the 
man reported two hundred and eighty-three natives armed with 
bows and arrows and accompanied by tame wolves, awaiting 
them to land. He saw no furs "and thev seemed to want us to 



20 THE LOWEK KENNEBEC. 

go further up a little nook of a river." Assured of treachery 
on the part of the natives the boat returned to the ship. Cap- 
tain Waymouth now determined to leave Pentecost Harbor, and 
sail up the river "further into the main." "We set up a crosse 
on the shore side of the rocks." 

As the captain sat upon the deck of the Archangel, he told his 
companions what a fine thing it would be to capture some of 
these comely natives and carry them to England. "For," said 
he "they would awaken interest in this wild country and Eng- 
land be the first to establish colonies on it. It may be a pity to 
cloud our voyage by such an act of treacher}', but we will treat 
them kindly and in time return them to their native home. And 
I feel it more and more a duty to secure at least a few good 
specimens of these savages. For have they not sent us from 
England at great expense, and what better than these people 
to serve as vouchers of our having discovered land ? I cannot 
take the climate, nor the trees, nor the land, but the natives I 
must have. Taking them by force will seem cruel, but for the 
sake of future expeditions the act would be excusable." 

As if to settle the question, the familiar dip of the paddle 
was heard as two canoes, containing three savages each, ap- 
proached. Two of the natives gaily boarded the ship and 
passed below, but the others would not leave their canoes and 
with unusual caution resisted all inducements offered. Finally, 
a can of peas was handed down and they hastened to an adja- 
cent island to eat them. After their repast one of the savages, 
young, comely and brisk, returned to the ship with the can, 
and joined his comrades below, thus becoming a victim of his 
own honesty. Those on shore not seeming inclined to again 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 21 

come near, a ship's boat with eight men was despatched to the 
shore as if for traffic. One of the savages withdrew to the 
wood, but the other two advanced to meet the party and de- 
lightedly received another can of peas. Innocently they walked 
up the cliff to where their fires were and sat down together 
before the bright blaze. When the poor natives were about to 
enjoy their favorite dish of peas, they were suddenly seized by 
their white visitors and dragged down the cliff, the sailors 
grasping them by the long hair on the top of the head, this 
knot giving them a good hold. The savages struggled with all 
their might ; it took all of the eight sailors to get them into the 
boat. When they reached the ship the sailors were again 
obliged to hoist them on board by the knot of the hair, thus 
literally by the "hair of the head" were they immured on ship 
board. 

They were treated with great kindness by their captors and 
their shyness gradually wore away, when they found no bodily 
harm was intended. Their names were Nahanada, Dehamida, 
Assecomet, Tesquantum and Skidwarres. 

Nahanada was a chieftain. He was tall, athletic, and hand- 
some. His costume indicated his royalty, being a mantle of 
rich fur ; on his head he wore a coronet of stiff' hair, colored 
red, jewels in his ears, and bracelets of little white round bone 
on his arms. 

This deed was committed almost in sight of their sovereign's 
capitol. 

EXPLORATION OF THE KENNEBEC RIVER. 

The Archangel, having now on board these five savages and 
two canoes'with all their bows and arrows, spread her canvas 



2'2 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

and sailed for the Kennebec bj tbe outward passage. The his- 
torian of the voyage speaks of "Wajmouth's search of sixty 
miles up this most excellent and benifyciall river of Sagadahoc 
which he found capable of shippage for trafique of the greatest 
burden, a benefitt indeed, always to be accompted the rishest 
treasure to any land." 

Waymouth ran his ship as far up as Long Reach. Here he 
came to anchor and immediately proceeded to make explora- 
tions. 

"Wednesday, the twelfth of June, our captaine manned his 
light-horse-man with seventeen men, and ran up from the ship 
riding in the river, to the codde thereof, where we landed, leav- 
ing six to keep the light-horse-man till our return. Ten of us 
with our shot, and some armed, with a boy to carry powder 
and match, marched up into the country." 

The ancient muskets had to be touched off with a match. 

The word codde denotes a small creek like opening of inland 
water with a narrow entrance, where it is connected with the 
larger body. A little bay or creek of this kind about twelve 
rods wide is known to have existed, and indeed in part remains 
in the place now occupied by the city of Bath, having its nar- 
row channel opening near the "town landing." It has been 
sufficiently deep, within the memory of persons now living, to 
admit a vessel much larger than the pinnance of Waymouth is 
supposed to have been. 

Of this codde the narrator says : "It ran back in a south- 
westerly direction for fifty or sixty rods and then abruptly 
turned to the north, whore it receives into its tide a small 

'Rosier. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 23 

stream of fresh water from the two abrupt bordering ridges, 
between which it flowed, and from two Httle ponds at its head." 

These ponds have in tlie long course of time filled up and 
become marshes, 

"We passed up about four miles in the maine, and passed 
over three hills ; and because the weather whs parching hot, 
and our men in their armour not able to travel farre and return 
that night to the ship, we resolved not to passe any further, 
being all weary of so tedious and labourson a travill." 

"In this march we passed over very good ground, pleasant 
and fertile, fit for pasture, for the space of some three miles, 
having but little wood, and that oke like stands left in our pas- 
tures in England, good and great, fit timber for any use." 

"Some small birch, hazel and brake, which might in small 
time with few men be cleared and made good arable land ; but 
as it now is will feed cattell of all kinds with fodder enough for 
summer and winter. The soil is blacke, bearing sundry herbs, 
grasse and strawberries bigger than ours in England. In many 
places are lowe Thicks like our copisses of small wood." 

"And surely it did resemble a stately Parke, wherein appear 
some old trees of huge withered tops, and other flourishing with 
living green boughs. Upon the hills grow notable high timber 
trees, masts for ships of 400 tons ; and at the bottome of every 
hill a little run of fresh water ; but, the farthest and last we 
passed ranne with a great stream able to drive a mill." 

This latter may have been the '"Whizgigg" stream on which 
have been mills of later years. 

"To take possession of this land and goodly river for his 

'Gigg is a stream emptying into a river. 



24 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

Majestie, Captain Waymouth thought fit to make up to the 
head of the river, which he did well sixty miles in his barge, 
and as the stream tended westward into the mayne, and at tha^ 
height yt began to narrow, so he there set up a crosss with his 
Madjestie's inscription thereon, observing all the ways that in 
uoe place, either above the islands, or up in the mayne, or all 
aloDgst the river, there could be disernened any one token or 
signe, that any christian had been there before ; and after this 
search. Captain Waymouth being well satisfied with knowledge 
of so commmodious a seat, set sail for England." 

While Waymouth was at anchor in the Kennebec, a canoe 
came up through the Sasanoa, sent by the tribe to which the 
captive Indians belonged. It contained a body of savages gor- 
geous in all the glory of new paint and fine mantles, with the 
white feathered skin of some fowl round about their heads. 
They approached with dignity and earnestly entreated that 
their people be released. They begged that at least one of the 
ship's company be left them as a "pawn" for the safety of their 
brethren. Sitting in their canoes and reproachfully pleading 
for their brethren, they made a picture that the company on 
board the Archangel cannot forget. But Captain Waymouth 
did not heed their entreaties. 

DOWN THE KENNEBEC. 

Before the gray dawn of the next morning had broken over 
the eastern headlands, the Archangel once more weighed an- 
chor and made for the open sea. 

Strachey. "Discovered a great river in these parts supposed to be Kenne- 
becke."— Hubbard in His. N. IC. "This seems to be Sagadahoc."— Thos. 
Prince in His. X. E. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 25 

^"Friday, June 15, at 4 o'clock in the morning, with the tide, 
our two boats, and a little help of the wind, we rowed down to 
the head of the river and there came to anchor about 11 
o'clock. The remainder of the day the captain made survey of 
the mouth of the river, taking soundings and observing the 
ledges and islands, in accordance with his instructions." 

"The next day being AVhitsuuday, we wayed anker, and with 
a briese from the land, we sailed up to our watering place', and 
there stopped, went on shore and filled all our empty caske 
with Avater. Our Captaine upon the Rocke in the middest of 
the harbour, observed the height, lattitude and variation ex- 
actly upon his instruments." 

"Sunday, the sixteenth of June, the Avind being faire, and 
because we had set out of England upon a Sunday, made the 
Hands upon a Sunday, and as we doubt not happily fell into 
our harbour upon a Sundey, we weighed anker and quit the 
land upon a Sunda}-." 

Having had an uneventful passage on "Thursday the eigh- 
teenth day of July, about foure a clocke afternoon, we came 
into Dartmouth ; which haven we made our last and first har- 
bour in England." 

THE CAPTIVES IN ENGLAND. 

The arrival of Waymouth with his captives created a sensa- 
tion in England. Sir Ferdiuando Gorges, a favorite of the King, 
took three of the Indians to his luxurious home, while Lord 
John Popham, Chief Justice of England, became the guardian 
of Nahanada and Skidwarres. The Indians acquired the Eug- 

iRosier. 

2Pentecost Harbor. 



20 THE LOWEIl KENNEBEC. 

lisli l:vnguap;e and were thus enabled to describe in detail the 
resources of their country, confirming all that Waymouth had 
seen and heard. 

The information they imparted of the valuable advantages 
of this section of the country, led the way to its settlements, 
made Jamestown, Sagadahoc, Plymouth and Massachusett ; 
Bay possible ; brought to this land civilization, Christianity and 
the principles of free government. 

Nabanada was always the faithful friend of the English and 
his kindly deeds bear testimony to his good and noble character. 

' "The}' were all of one nation, but of several parts and sev- 
eral families. This accident must be acknowledged the means 
under God of putting on foot and giving life to all our planta- 
tions, as by the ensuing discourse will manifestly appear. 

"After I had those people sometime in my custody, I ob- 
served in them an inclination to follow the example of the bet- 
ter sort, and in all their carriages manifest shows of great civil- 
ity, far from the rudeness of our common people. And the 
longer I conversed with them, the better hope they gave me of 
those parts where they did inhabit, as proper for our uses ; 
especially when I found Avhat goodly rivers, stately islands and 
safe harbors those parts abounded with, being the special 
marks I levelled at, as the only want our nation met with in all 
their navigations along the coast. And, having kept them, I 
made them able to set me down what great rivers ran up into 
the land, what men of note were seated on them, what power 
they were of, how allied, what enemies they had and the like." 

'Gorges. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC, 27 

OTHER EXPLORERS SENT OUT. 

Gorges and Popham resolved to ascertain more of the new 
world. ^ They despatched in August in 1606, a ship of fifty- 
five tons, Capt. Henry Chalons, for further exploration of this 
coast, but it was captured by hostile Spaniards. On board 
Chalons' ship were thirty-one men and Manida and Assecoraet 
of Waymouth's captives. Not disheartened by this miscar- 
riage, "it pleased the Lord Chief Justice to dispatch Captain 
Martin Priug, from Bristol, on a like voyage which extended 
to the Kennebec river, and on his return he made a favorable 
report." 

Captain Thomas Hanham was sent on a similar voj^age 
■-"with auxiliaries and fresh supplies to join Chalons in begin- 
ning a colony within the Patent. He entered the mouth of the 
Kennebec and not finding Chalons, did nothing, but returned 
to England with e)icouraging accounts of the country, which 
invigorated the spirit of colonizing adventure." 

FORMATION OF A COLONIZING COMPANY. 

Encouraged by the promising accounts of these men, Gorges 
obtained a grant April 10, 1606, from King James I, of territory 
comprising Virginia and all north of it to the river St. Lawrence 
and interested Lord Chief Justice John Popham, in his scheme. 

''In the interim his Lordship failed not to interest m;iny of 
the lords and others to be petitioners to his majesty for his 
royal authority, for setting two Plantations upon the coast of 
America, by the names of the First and Second Colon}^ ; the 
First to be undertaken by certain noblemen, knights, gentlemen 

'Williamson. 
-Prince. 



28 THE LONYEll KENNEBEC. 

and merchants in and about the city of London ; the Second 
by certain knights, gentlemen and merchants in the Western 
parts. 

"This being obtained, theirs of London made a very hopeful 
entrance into their design, sending away December 20, 1606, 
under the command of Sir Thomas Gates, Sir George Summers 
and many other gentlemen of quality, a very great and hopeful 
Plantation to re-possess the southern parts of Virginia. 

THE POPHAM EXPEDITION. 

"By the same authority all things fully agreed upon between 
both the colonies, the Lord Chief Justice, his friends and asso- 
ciates of the West country, sent from Plymouth Captain Pop- 
ham, as President for that employment, with Captain Rawley 
Gilbert and divers other gentlemen of note, in three sail of 
ships,' with one hundred land men for the seizing such a place 
as they were directed unto by the Council of that colony ; who 
departes from the coast of England the one-and-thirtieth day 
of May, anno 1607 and arrived at their rendezvous, the 8th of 
August, following." 

George Popham, chief in command of this expedition, em- 
barked in the Gift" a "fly-boat" of forty tons, and Raleigh Gil- 
bert in the Mary and John, a ship of sixty tons. 

Until within a few years the story of the voyage of the Pop- 
ham ships was traditional. Eventually there was found in 
English archives a journal of the voyage written soon after it 
was made, by William Strachey. He gives the information that 
according to orders, the ships sailed from Plymouth in June 

'Gorges erred in the number of ships; he probably included the pj'nnace. 
^Gorges. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 29 

direct for the ancient Sagadahock river, taking what was then 
termed the westward course, following the track of Waymouth. 
With an uneventful passage, the Marj and John first made land 
near the island of Monhegan where they came to anchor on 
July 31. Here she was joined later by the Gift. From thence 
they followed Waymouth's course towards the main and made 
a harbor in the neighborhood of Pemaquid. "We found a cross 
set up, that which we supposed was set up by George Wayman." 

On board the Mary and John was Skidwarres, one of the 
savages who had been carried away by Waymouth two years 
before. When the poor fellow found himself once more so near 
his home, he became much excited and wished to go at once to 
his native place near by on the mainland. Near midnight Gil- 
bert manned his boat and guided by the eager savage, ere dawn 
they were at Pemaquid. They landed in the early light of the 
morning and approached a village of the natives. There was a 
sudden cry of alarm and the warriors ran with hastily snatched 
weapons to drive the white men back. At the head of his 
braves was the chief of the village, Nahanada, who was also 
one of those carried away by Waymouth, but returned the year 
before by Hanham. As soon as Nahanada and Skidwarres 
perceived each other, they ran together and embraced. Then 
the brethren and family of the restored savage came forward 
and joined in the hearty greetings. Two hours soon passed, 
when Gilbert's party returned to the vessel, taking Skidwarres 
with them. 

"The next day was Sunda}', and the chief of both the shipps 

iFolsom in Me. His. Coll. Vol. II, page 27. De Co.sta, Davies, Griffitt, Pur- 
chas. — 'Gifte" vStrachcy, Burrage. 



30 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

with the greater part of all the company, lacded on the island 
where the cross stood, which they called St. George's Island, 
and heard a sermon delivered unto them by Mr. Seymour, their 
preacher, and returned aboard again." Here was preached the 
first sermon in New England. On Monday, captains Pophara 
and Gilbert with fifty men each, in two boats, went again 
to Pemaquid. Skidwarres was with them but Nahanada 
and his braves appeared distrustful. The sight of so many 
armed men made them fear that the treachery of Waymouth 
was to be repeated. Suddenly the savages withdrew into the 
wood and Skidwarres with them, where from behind the trees, 
they menaced the white men with their arrows. It was the 
desire of the English to avoid bloodshed, so they retired to 
the boats and rowed across to the other side of the harbor, 
where they spent the night, and next evening returned to their 
shipps where they still made under St. Georges Island." 

On the 12th "they weighed anchor and sett saile to goe for 
the river Sagadahoc." The next day, the 13th, they were off 
Seguin, "but they did not take it to be "Sutquin." "Soe 
the weather being very fair, they sought the islands further to 
the westward" and became becalmed. About midnight there 
arose a mighty storm upon them and they were in peril "b}' 
reason they were so near the shores and could not gett off, the 
wynrl all the while south, and yt blew very stiffe, so as they 
Avere compelled to turn yt to and agayne. "Soe" soon as the 
d;iy g;ive light" on the 14th, they found themselves "hard 
abourd'^tho lee shore" and sought a place to "thrust in the 
shipp to save their lives." Their boat appears to have^been 
in tow as "vt lave suncke at the stern two bowers or more" 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 31 

yet would not cut her oif, Ijving in hopes to save her ; so bear- 
ing up helm they stood in sight with the slioare, when anon 
they perceived two little islands, to which they ina.le, and there 
they found— God be thanked— good anchoring, where they 
road until the storm broak, which was the next daie after. 
There they freed the boat, and had her ashore to repair her, 
being much torne and spoiled." 

"These islands are two leagues to the westward of Sachade- 
hoc. Upon one of them they went on shoare and found four 
salvages and one woman. The islands are rockye and full of 
pine trees." 

On tlie 15th—" The storm ended and the wind came faire for 
them to goe for Sachadehoc, the river whether they were bound 
to and enjoyned to make their plantation in ; soe they weyed 
anchor and sett sayle, and came to the eastward and found the 
island of Sutguin, and anchored under yt, for the wind was of 
the shoare, by which they could not get into Sachadehoc ; yet 
Captain Popham with the fly boat gott in." 

On the 16th — " In the morning Captain Popham sent his 
shallop to help in Mary and John, which weyed anchor, and 
being calm, was soone towed in and anchored by the Gift's side." 

On the 17th — "Captain Popham in his pynnace with thirty 
persons, and Cajitain Gilbert in his long boat with eighteen 
persons more, went early in the mornings from their shipp in 
the river Sachadehoc, to view the river and to search where they 
might find a fitt place for their plantation. They sa.yled up 
into the river neere fourteen leagues, and found yt to be a verj- 
gallant river, very deepe, and seldome lesse water than three 
fathoms when they found rest ; whereupon they proceeded no 



32 THE LO^YER KENNEBEC. 

farther, but iu their return homwards they observed many 
goodly islands therein, and many branches of other small rivers 
falling into yt." 

On the 18th — " They all went ashore, and there made a choice 
of a place for their plantation at the mouth or entry of the 
ryver on the west side, for the river bendeth yt self towards the 
nor-east and by east, being almost an island of a good bigness, 
being in a province called by the Indians Sabino, so called of a 
sagamo or chief commander under the grand Bassaba. As they 
came ashoare three canoes full of Indians came to them, but 
would not come neere, but rowed away up the river." 

The 19th — "They all went ashore where they had made choise 
of their plantation and where they had a sermon delivered unto 
them by their preacher ; and after the sermon the president's 
commission was read, with the laws to be observed and kept. 
Captain George Popham was nominated president ; Captain 
Kawley Gilbert for Admiral ; Captain Edward Harlow, Master 
of the Ordinance ; Captain Robert Davies, Sergeant Major ; Cap- 
tain Ellis Best, Marshall ; Master Seaman, Secretary ; Captain 

James Davies to be Captain of the Fort ; Master Gome Carew, 
Chief Searcher; Eev. Richard Seymour, Chaplain. These 
were sworn in as members of the Council, who, with some hun- 
dred more, were to stay in the country. And soe they turned 
back again to the ships." 

Weight of authority locates the site of this famous spot 
near where is now Fort Popham, and if this be true the wise 
foresight of the men who choose this spot for their settlement, 
is plainly apparent. On three sides it was easily accessible 
bv water and at the same time barriers of defence leaving 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 33 

the inland side only to be prepared for protection, which 
ancient accounts state was done by "a mere stockade to repel 
Indian aggression mounted by semi-culverines of nine pounds, 
sakers of six pounds, twelve in all." 

WORK ON THE SETTLEMENT. 

On the 20th — ^"All went to shoare again, and there began to 
entrench and make a fort, and to build a storehouse, soe con- 
tinued to the 27th." 

' "Our president. Captain Popham, set the first spit of ground 
unto it, and after him all the rest followed, and labored hard in 
the trenches about it." 

Friday the 21st — "All hands labored about the fort, some in 
the trench, some for faggots, and our ship carpenters about the 
building of a small pinnace or shallop." 

Saturday, the 22d of August — "Captain Popham early in the 
morning, departed in his shallop to go for tlie river Paships- 
koke." 

"Sunday the 23d, our president. Captain Popham, returned 
unto us from the river of Pashipscoke," (Sheepscot.) 

"On the 28th — "Whilst most of the hands labored hard about 
the fort, and the carpenters about the buylding of a small pin- 
nace, the president overseeing and applying every one to his 
work. Captain Gilbert departed in the shallop upon a discov- 
ery to the westward." He sailed among the islands of Casco 
Bay and on the second night "arrived at the fort again." 

"And from the first to the fourth of September nothing was 

'Davies. 2strachey. 

In using quotations from ancient writers their unique style of spelling is 
retained in this volume. 



34 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

done but only for the furtherance buylcling of the fort and 
storehouse to receive ashore their victuals." 

VISIT OF THE NATIVES. 

"About noone on the 5th there came into the entrance of the 
river of Sachadehoc and unto the fort, as our people were at 
their works, nine canoes with forty salvadges in them, men, 
women and children, and amongst them was Nahanada and 
Skidwarres. They came up into the fort, and the president 
gave them meat and drink and used them exceeding kindly. 
Two or three howers they remajaied there and they parted, 
Skidwarres and others 'staying still'; "at night Captain Gilbert, 
James Davies and Ellis Best, went over the farthest side of the 
river where all the rest had withdrawn themselves and there 
remayned with them all the night ; and early in the morning, 
the salvages departed in their canoes for the river of Pemaquid." 

gilbert's EXPLORATIONS. 

"Captain Gilbert, with twenty-two others departed on the 
8th in the shallop for the river of Penobscot, taking with him 
divers sorts of merchandise to trade with the Bashaba." He 
failed to find that river and returned to the fort after an ab- 
sence of two days." 

"Captain Gilbert with nineteen others, departed in his shal- 
lop on the 23d, to goe for the head of the river Sachadehoc. 
They sayled all this day, and on the 24th the like, untill six of 
the clock in the afternoon, when they landed on the river's side 
where they found a champion land and very fertile, where they 
remayned all that night." 

"In the morning of the 25th, they departed from thence and 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 35 

sayled up the river and came to a flatt, low land, where is a 
great cataract or downfall of water, which runneth by both 
sides of this island, very shold and swift. In this island they 
found great store of grapes, both redd and white ; good hopps, 
as also chiballs and garlike ; they haled their boat with a 
strong rope through this downfall perforce, and went near a 
league further up, and here they lay all night ; and in the first 
of the night there called certain salvages on the further side of 
the river unto them in broken English ; they answered them 
againe and parled long with them, when towards morning they 
departed." 

"In the morning of the 26th, "there came a canoe unto them, 
and in her a Sagamo and four salvages, some of those which 
spoke to them the night before. The Sagamo called his name 
Sebanoa, and told us how he was lord of the river Sachadahoc. 
They entertayned him friendly and took him into their boat 
and presented with some trifling things, which he accepted." 

During the same day there was much intercourse between 
Captain Gilbert and the natives partly friendly and partly in 
trade and more or less suspicion on both sides, ending in some 
demonstrations of hostility on the part of the Indians. 

"Captain Gilbert finally made show as if he were still friends 
and entertained them kindly, and soe left them." 

"On the 27th, they sett up a crosse and returned homeward, 
in the way seeking by the river of some note called Sasanoa" 
and on the 29th arrived at the fort. 

SECOND VISIT or THE NATIVES. 

All were busy about the fort to the 3d of October, when on 



36 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

the 4th, "There came two canoes to the fort, in which were 
Nahanada and liis wife and Skidwarres, and the Bashaba's 
brother, and one other called Anienquin, a Sagamo ; all whom 
the president feasted and entertained with all kindness, both 
that day and the next, which being Sundaye, the president 
carried them with him to the place of public prayers, which 
they were at both morning and evening, attending yt with 
great reverence and silence." 

"On the 6tli, the salvadges departed all except Amenqnin, 
the Sagamo, who would needs staye amongst our people a 
longer tyme. Upon the departure of the others the president 
gave unto every one of them copper beads or knives, which con- 
tented them not a little, as also delivered a present to the 
Bashaba's brother, and another for his wife, giving him to un- 
derstand that he would come unto his court on the river Pen- 
obscot and see him very shortly, bringing many such like of 
his countr3^'s commodityes with him." 

"These were stranger Indians, able men, very tall and strong 
and such as the like before had not been seen." 

THE MARY AND JOHN DISPATCHED TO ENGLAND. 

' "You maie please understand how, whilst this business was 
followed here, soone after their first arrival, they had despatched 
away Captaine Robert Davies in the Mary and John, to adver- 
tise of their safe arrival and foundation of their plantation 
within the river Sacadehoc, with letters to the Lord Chief Jus- 
tice, ymportuninge a supply for the most necessary wants to 
the subsisting of a colony, to be sent unto them betymes the 
next year." 

1 Strachey. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 37 

"After Captaine Davies' departure they fully finished the 
fort, trencht and fortified yt with twelve pieces of ordinance, 
and built fifty houses therein, besides a church and a store- 
house ; and the carpenters framed a pretty pynnace of about 
some thirty tons,' which they called the Virginia ; the chief 
shipwright being one Digby, of London." 

"Many discoveries likewise had been made, both to the 
niayne and unto the neighboring rivers, and the frontier nations, 
fully discovered by the dilligence of Captain Gilbert, had not 
the wynter proved soe extremely unseasonable and frosty ; for 
yt being in the year 1607, when the extraordinary frost was 
felt in most parts of Europe, yt was here likewise as vehement, 
bj^ which noe boat could stir upon any business." 

"During the latter portion of the winter the storehouse 
caught fire and all the general stock of provisions were burnt 
up together with the furs that had been bought of the natives 
and stored in the building, and for the remainder of the winter 
the colonists were obliged to subsist on fish and clams, game, 
and even dog meat." 

CHARACTER OF THE BUILDINGS. 

It is a matter of interest to form an idea of the character of 
the structures of Fort St. George ; denominating them as "rude 
huts" may not be in accordance with English thoroughness. 
Some proximate opinion of them may be gathered from the 
kind constructed by the cotemporaneous colony at Jamestown, 
which may have represented the English mode of establishing 
what was designed to be a permanent settlement. At Jamestown 
there was a triangular fort with half moon batteries covering 



38 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

each corner ; two rows of houses of framed timber, some of two 
stories, three large storehouses, and all enclosed with strong 
impaling. 

"This description seems to correspond as to the size of the 
Popham buildings in that the French on visiting the place 
some years after its evacuation by the English, speak of finding 
"walls." 

RETURN OF THE MARY AND JOHN. 

'"Howbeyt, as tyme and occasyou gave leave, there was noth- 
ing omitted which could add unto the benefit or knowlerlge of 
the planters, for which when Captain Davies arrived there in 
the year following with a ship laden full of victuals, arms, in- 
struments and tools, albeyt he found Mr. George Popham, the 
president, and some other dead, yet he found all things in 
good forwardness, and many kinds of furrs obtayned from the 
Indians by way of trade ; good store of sarsaparilla gathered, 
and the new pynnace all finished."' 

THE COLONY BREAKS UP AND RETURNS TO E:; GLAND. 

"But by reason that Captain Gilbert received letters that his 
brother was newly dead and a large portion of land fallen unto 
his share, which required his repair home, and noe mynes dis- 
covered nor hope thereof, being the mayiie intended benefit ex- 
pected to uphold the charge of the plantation, and the feare 
that all other wynters would prove like the first, the company 
by no means would stay any longer in the country, especyally 
Captain Gilbert being to leave them, and Mr. Popham ilead ; 
wherefore they ymbarqued in this new arrived ship and in the 
pynnace, the Virginia, and sett saile for England." 

' Strachev. - The first Knglish ship construc5led in North America. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 39 

i"They all returned to England in 1608, and the country 
esteemed as a cold, barren, mountainous, rocky desert." 

- "The whole colony breaks up and returns with Captain 
Gilbert this year (1608) to England." 

"And this was the end of that northern colony upon the river 
Sagadahoc." 

In this account of the sailing of these vessels for England no 
mention is made of the "Gift." It has been asserted that the 
two ships returned to England for supplies late in 1607 but it 
is not reasonable to suppose that the colonists would be willing 
to remain in this distant and strange country, in an exposed 
and perilous situation with no water craft for reliance in a case 
of necessity that might occur before the Virginia could be com- 
pleted. There is consequently value in the tradition that ^"they 
carried their ship across the bay on the western side of the 
river and in a cove or eddy under Coxes Head, they fastened 
the cables to the trees, put out fenders to keep the ship from 
rubbing against the rocks, in which situation she lay until the 
month of May following, when the colonists took the ship and 
with the remains of George Popham proceeded to England." 

To bring to the colonists needed supplies for the next year 
the larger vessel was evidently enough. 

England's title to new England. 

In 1612 Spain claimed this territory from England but the lat- 
ter declared that "the possession of Florida belonged to Eng- 
land by the right of discovery and actual possession by the 

1 Capt, John Smith 1614. 

2, Rev. Thos. Priuce, pastor of the Old South Boston, 17^6, 

3 M. L. Hill. ' ^^ 



40 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

'two Eii^lisli colonies thither conducted, whereof the latter is 
yet there remaining," and by the same tenor could hold 
Virginia. 

In 1G24 France claimed the territory of New England and 
King James I, through Gorges, decided the title of England 
good, wholly on the ground of settlements on the Kennebec in 
and subsequent to 1G07, and the title held good. 

' "The French never had any possession on the coast west of 
the Kennebec. As to the settlement of Gosnold on Elizabeth 
Island, it was not a chartered colony, but undertaken on pri- 
vate account. They asserted no general claim, proved no title 
and was not renewed." 

In its political action the English government always re- 
garded the Popham colony the initial settlement of New Eng- 
land. After their departure, traders and fishermen came in and 
prosecuted their business on the Kennebec for thirteen years 
prior to the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. 

CHAEACTER OF THE COLONISTS. 

Inaugurating their landing with the sacred rites of religion 
and their civil government in the interests of law and order, 
proves that the men comprising this expedition were worthy 
of the fame of having been the first to plant a colony on 
the shores of New England. And it is unjust to the eminent 
personages who with generous and enterprising impulses, put 
their money and reputation into the venture, to suppose that 
they would risk them in the hands of men destitute pf all the 
better traits of humanity. A depraved class of men would 

1 Ballard. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 41 

hardly care to exile themselves on so inhospitable a shore, de- 
prived of all the luxuries and even necessary comforts of life. 
Gorges in his narrative of the expedition says "tliat amonji; 
them were divers gentlemen of note." 

Father Baird, a Frenchman, who came to the mouth of the 
river soon after the departure of the colonists writes that "The 
Indians said that the English had at first a good man at their 
head and his people treated the Indians well." 

There was no reliably related instance of disorderly conduct 
while these colonists sojourned on the peninsula of Sabino. 

'"Concerning the character and the merits of the colonists of 
Sagadahoc there has been some warm discussion, tlK)Ugli no 
established facts have been produced that reflect upon their 
reputation. The colonists were probably no better than the 
average men of their class ; 3'et there is nothing to indicate 
that there were any among them who required di.sci[)lin!try 
treatment. The Lord Chief Justice has been denounced for 
his severe conduct of the courts of justice, and for the sins of 
his youth ; but impartial critics will allow that this is altogether 
aside from the question. So far as we actually know, the 
course pursued by the colonists was humane and pacific. 

"One of their number was killed by the Tarratines of the 
east, while the loss of their provisions induced the fear of a 
mutiny ; yet the temptation to indulge in disorder was resisted. 
Industry and order seem to have prevailed and due respect was 
shown for the services of religion, the bearing of the English 
worship led by Chaplain Seymour being such as to recommend 

1 De Costa. 



^2 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

to the simple savage a faith which he could not comprehend. 
When, however, it was found that the main purpose for which 
the colony was undertaken could not be achieved, they de- 
parted to employ their activities in another sphere." 

GORGES AND THE POPHAMS. 

The early settlements of Sagadahoc that led to the later 
permanent 'occupation of the soil by the English, were due 
to the unflinching persistency and devotion of Gorges and the 
Popham famines, who lavished immense sums of money and 
sent many of their own kindred to these shores. But as is fre- 
quently the case, they and their descendants who endeavored 
to gain possession of this region, never received any benefit 
from the rich resources of this bounteous land. 

Sir Ferdinando Gorges was the father of American coloniza- 
tion. It was his great foresight, influence and efforts that 
brought other far seeing men of rank and means in England to 
join him in the great enterprise of settling a new world, and 
increasing England's future greatness. He inaugurated im- 
migration to this great country that has proved an asylum 
for the poor and persecuted of all other nations of the broad 

world. 

The commendable undertakings of Gorges was ably seconded 
by Lord Popham with his ample means, until his untimely 

death in 1607. 

"The Popham colony was undertaken for the advancement of 
religion, the enlargement of the bounds of our nation, the in- 
crease of trade and the employment of many thousands of all 
sorts of people." 

1 Gorges. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 43 

In the Eoyal charter under which this colouy was under- 
taken it is stipulated : 

"That the said presidents, councils and tlie ministers should 
provide that the word and service of God be preached and 
used, not only in the said colonies, but also as nmcli as might 
be, among them, according to the rites and doctrines of the 
Church of England." 

^ "Richard Seymour was the first preacher of the gospel in the 
English tongue within the borders of New England." 

Popham died February 5, 1608, and his last words were, "I 
die content, for my name will always be associated with the 
first planting of t'je English race in the new world. My re- 
mains will not be neglected away from the homes of my fathers 
and my kindred." 

And yet it is an undetermined question where the remains of 
this notable man repose. 

However sincere and earnest the proprietors of this colony 
may have been in endeavoring to found the principles of relig- 
ion and morality in this new country, the desirable end could 
not be reached on sentiment alone. All such enterprises neces- 
sitate material support. Although amply supplied at the be- 
ginning from the mother country, the colonists must in time 
become self supporting. The sandy shores on which they had 
landed were not adapted to agriculture, nor had the fishing in- 
dustry nor the fur trade become developed. They had come 
with expectations of other resources, which proveil disap- 
pointing. 

1 Bishop Bangs, 



44 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

Upon the arrival in England of the returned colonists they 
represented as a reason (^f their abandonment of the "under- 
taking" that the climate was too severe and the country too 
barren to he inhabited by any of the European race. And it 
must be conceded that their experience justified this conclusion. 
INAUGURATING SHIP BUILDING IN AMERICA. 

Whatever the Sagadahoc colony may have failed to accom- 
plish, there still remains the fact, that at least one im|)ortant 
result was achieved. In those rude wilds with scant a])plian- 
ces for work, it was no small undertaking to attempt the con- 
struction of a vessel. Befin-e leaving England the building 
oi the Virginia must have been planned, and tools and car- 
penters sent over. No sooner had the colonists landed 
than this work was commenced, and all through the cold and 
stormy winter the building of the craft went on, notwithstanding 
the loss by fire of provisions and possibly of material for its con- 
struction. In the spring she was completed, launched and 
fitted for sea, the proud result of industry, skill and persever- 
ence. Departing directly for England, this little "ship," cross- 
ing a wide ocean, must have created no small interest as she 
triumphantly sailed into the harbor of old Plymouth, a trophy 
of the enterprise of the New World. 

It took the Plymouth colony ten years after it was founded 
and that of Massachu.setts Bay three years, to place on the 
waters a sea-going vessel of any sort. 

If there were no other results of utility appertaining to the 
sojourn of Sagadahoc colony on the shores of America, the 
successful building of their vessel may be justly considered a 
sufficiently glorious consummation. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 45 

They thus founded the maritime business on this great con- 
tinent, which has been a marked factor in its development 
and power. 

DISCREPANCIES IN THE ACCOUNTS OF THE POPHAM COLONY. 

It may not perhaps be wondered at that in the course of nearly 
three centuries, many discrepancies have crept into the tradi- 
tional and written history of the Sagadahoc Colony. There is 
a statement often repeated, that when the Mary and John sailed 
for England in December, 1607, all but 'forty-five of the men 
returned home. As will be seen by the letter of the President'- 
to the King sent by this vessel, no mention is made of this im- 
portant occurrence, nor did Strachey so state in his journal of 
the voyage and settlement of the colony. 

Nearly, if not quite all of the accounts of the proceedings of the 
colonists in preparing their settlement, record that 'fifty houses 
were built subsequent to the departure of Davies, which would 
hardly, be necessary for the occupancy of forty-five men. Cap- 
tains Popham and Gilbert having the responsibility of the suc- 
cess of the undertaking, could not permit more than half their 
number to depart at that early day without any adequate rea- 
son for so doing. 

The tradition which some writers of history have adopted, 
that the Indians captured and destroyed the Fort, should 
hardly be considered probable, when, at that time, the natives 
possessed no fire arms, while the colonists not only had a sup- 
ply, but had twelve pieces of cannon mounted for ready defence. 
The most reliable accounts by those cotemporary with this 
event simply state that the store house was burned. 

iPurchas. '-'The letter is on the last page of this Part. 



46 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 



There is an often told story of the "drag-rope and cannon," 
which is equally absurb. Ambrose Hunniwell is said to have 
resorted to it as a means of defence against hostile Indians at a 
later day. 

These stories have been triced by an ancient writer to "sail- 
or's yarns." There is no well founded evidence that the colo- 
nists had any serious difficulties whatever with the Indians at 
their residence at Fort St. George. 

Another account has asserted that two ships were loaded in 
England with supplies for the colonists at Sagadahoc, which 
would have been a superabundance for forty-five men, but the 
better evidence goes to prove that the Mary and John only 
brought these supplies. 

'"But the ship's arriving there found that old Captaine Pop- 
ham was dead, who was the only man, indeed, that died there 
that winter." Others have asserted that a number of others 
died. 

Another account sends the "Gift" on a fishing cruise with a 
portion of the re-embarking colonists, while still another sends 
this vessel with some of the colonists on a voyage to Virginia ; 
^others hold that it is certain that forty-five of the departing 
colonists did not reach England at all, but disembarked upon 
Pemaquid or at some point on that section of the coast. If 
any or a part of these diverse disposing of the broken up 
colony be true, th(?re must have been but few to have reached 
England in the final return of the Mary and John, together 
with the Virginia, and probably the Gift 

'"Gorges Brief Relation." 
-' R. K. Sewall. 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 47 

THE SITE OF FORT ST. GEORGE. 

The English colonists having abandoned Sagadahoc, it is 
recorded that in the autumn of 1611, the French landed at the 
mouth of the river. "No resident was found, the paths lead- 
ing to the fort being untrodden." Baird says, "that iu com- 
pany with Biencourt, he reached the Kennebec from the east 
October 28," coming through the Sasanoa passage. 

Entering the harbor, where in 1607 Popham had moored the 
"Gift" and "Mary and John," the French were greatly excited 
and hastened at once to view the stronghold built by the Eng- 
lish. "At first they praised and extolled the enterprise of the 
English and to enumerate the advantages of the place." Soon 
however, he testifies, "they saw the situation with a military eye, 
and discovered that the ground was badly chosen, as another 
fort properly placed, would have cut them off" from both the 
river and the sea." 

^ "Such is the only known description of the place written at 
that period. They were evidently impressed by the magnitude 
of the work. It indicated enterprise and proved that the build- 
ers wrought with regard to something more than a transient 
occupation of the dwellings." 

""The writer of this note has just returned from a visit to that 
locality. Standing upon high ground near the centre of it, he 
saw at once that the place "being almost an island of a good 
bigness" was a very accurate description. And from a very 
thorough examination of this peninsula, it seemed as if the pre- 

1 De Costa in Maine His. Col. Vol. XVIII. 
-' Ballard. 



48 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

cise situation of the fort bnilt by those early colonists might 
almost be settled." 

"Conspicuous to all who enter or leave the mouth of the Ken- 
nebec, is a two story dwelling house built by Major Shaw, 
standing a few rods from the sea coast and not far distant from 
the river just named. Near this house is a crescent shaped 
pond of fresh water, covering about five acres of ground. The 
land rises some forty feet on the north of this pond and then 
descends by an easy slope to the waters of Atkins Bay, giving 
sufficient space for the erection of a fort containing "fifty 
houses, besides a church and a storehouse." 

"A large supply of fresh water would evidently be needed for 
such an establishment as this. At the present day the water 
in the wells on the peninsula is more or less brackish, which, 
in all probability, has always been the case. Such a pond then, 
would be of great value to a fortress. This fact and the adapt- 
ation of the land to such a building seems to be decisive as to 
the locality of the fort." 

Much stress has been laid by some historians on the remains 
of an ancient fortification with covered way that had been seen 
by "old inhabitants." There is evidence more or less reliable, 
that a fort had been in existence at a remote period on Horse 
Ketch Point, erected probably by parties who succeeded the 
Popliam colony. After the departure of the French an En- 
glish war force located on the west side of the mouth 
of the river, where they fortified and held possession until 
the Plymouth Company established fortified trading posts on 
its grant on the Kennebec, one of which was at Sagadah(K\ 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 49 

'"On the west side of the river is the remains of a fort made 
of stone and earth ; there are also eight old Avails now to be 
seen and the ruins of several houses. Whether these buildings 
were erected by the English or the French, is uncertain ; but 
the probability is that the former were erectors of the works." 

"The English settlements continued until the year 1675 up, 
to which time there was perfect peace between the white peo- 
ple and the savages." 

"The Plymouth Company in 1629, took possession at the 
mouth of the river and erected a fort on the west bank of the 
same, and on the margin of the sea in the year 1634. The 
remains of the fort and of the houses erected there, and the 
number of wells which were sunk for the use of the plantation 
remain there now." 

In a manuscript written in 1660 by Samuel Maverick de- 
scriptive of New England, it is said: "Three leagues distant from 
Damerelles Cove is Sagadahocke at the mouth of Kenebeth 
Biver on which place the Lord Popham's people settled about 
fiftie years since, but soon after deserted it and returned for 
England ; I found Rootes and Garden hearbs and some old 
walles there when I went first over, which shewed it to be the 
place where they had been. This is a great and spreading river 
and runes very neer into Canada. One Captaine Young and 
three men with him in the yeare 1636, went up the river upon 
discovery. On this river and on the islands lying on the mouth 
of it, are many families scatteringlj' settled. Some attend 
wholly to trade with the Indians, others planting and raising 

1 Sullivan. 



50 . THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

a stock of cattle, and some at the mouth of the river keep fish- 
ing stations." 

GORGES DOES NOT RELINQUISH THE ENTERPRISE. 

The withdrawal of the Popham colony was not fatal to the 
settlement of the Sagadahoc nor adjacent coast, as at no great 
length of time was the region destitute of inhabitants or of ves- 
sels visiting its waters. 

After the return of the colony to England Gorges said ; "All 
my associates gave up to these discouragements and finding I 
could no longer be seconded by others, I became an owner of a 
ship myself, fit for that employment, and under color of fishing 
and trade, I got a master and company for her, to which I sent 
Vines and others my own servants, with their provision for 
trade and discovery, appointing them to leave the ship and 
ship's company for to follow their business in the usumI place, 
for I knew they would not be drawn to seek by any means. 
By these and the help of those natives formerly sent over, I 
came to be truly informed of so much as gave me assurance 
that in time I should want no undertakers, though as yet I was 
forced to hire men to stay there the winter quarter at extreme 
rates, and not without danger, for that the war between the 
tribes had consumed the Bashaba and the most of the great 
Sagamores, with such men of action as followed them and those 
that remained were sore afflicted with the plague, so that the 
country was in a manner left void of inhabitants." 

After the death of Sir John Popham, his son Sir Francis 
continued his interest in the Sagadahoc country. "He sent 
expeditions here several years after that of the first famous 



THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 51 

Pophara colony, in hopes of better fortune, but found it 
fruitless and was necessitated at last to sit down with the loss 
he had already undergone." The son of Sir F. Gorges also 
'"sent into these waters of Sagadahoc for several years a ship 
to keep up communication with the country, to encourage the 
fisheries and to trade in fish and furs." 

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH'S VOYAGE. 

'"Captain John Smith with a ship and a barque and forty- 
five men, sailed from London, March 3, 1614, to take and hold 
possession of the S;igadahoc, and arrived in the river the last 
of April." 

Upon his return to England in the July following he reported 
that -"1 was to have staid there with only sixteen men ; built 
seven boats on the river and explored the river and coast thor- 
oughly, and caught fish and bought furs ;" and "we got for 
trifles, 11,000 beaver, ICK) martins and ;is many otters, took and 
cured 40,000 dry fish and 7,000 cod fish, corned or in pickle; the 
amount of net gain to those interested was about =£1,500 sterl- 
ing" or about seven thousand and five hundred dollars. 

Smith snrvej'ed the coast in his seven boats from Cape Cod 
to the Penobscot, made a map of the same which was published 
in 1616, but a cop}- of it has never of latter ye;irs been found ; 
he was made an Admiral and had the honor of giving the title of 
Kew England to the country he visited. 

"A party of Englishmen came iroio England and settled at 
the Kennebec in 1619 and remained there permanently." 

1 Gorges. 

'^ Williamson. 



52 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

THE FIRST STATE PAPER WRITTEN IN AMERICA. 

George Pophatn to A'iiig James I. 

13 Deckmber, 1607, 

At the feet of his Most .Serene King humbly prostrates himself George Popham, 
President of the Second Colony of Virginia. If it may please the patience of 
your divine Majesty to receive a few things from your most observant and de- 
voted, though unworthy servant, I trust it will derogate nothing from the lustre 
of your Highness, since they seem to redound to the Glorj- of God, the greatness 
of your Majesty, and the utility of Great Brittain. I have thought it therefore very 
just, that it should be made known to your Majesty, that among the Virginians 
and Moassons, there is none in the world more admired than King James, Sover- 
eign I<ord of Great Briitain, on account of his admirable justice and incredible 
constancy, which gives no small pleasure to the natives of these regions, who say 
moreover, that James, under whose rule and reign they would gladly fight. Ta- 
hanida, one of the natives, who was in Great Brittain, here proclaimed to them 
j'our praises and virtues. What and how much I may avail in transa(5ling these 
affairs and in confirming their minds, let those judge who are well versed in these 
matters at home, while I wittingly avow that all my endeavors are as nothing 
when considered in comparison with my duty towards my Prince. My well con- 
sidered opinion is, that in these regions the glory of God may be easily evi- 
denced, the empire of your Majesty enlarged, and the welfare of Great Brittain 
speedily augmented. So far as relates to commerce, there are in these parts shag- 
barks, nutmegs and cinnamon, besides pine wood and Brazilian cochineal and 
ambergris, with many other produ<5ls of great value, and these in the greatest 
abundance. 

Besides, they positively assure me that there is a sea in the opposite or western 
part of this Province, distant not more than seven days' journey from our fort of 
St. George in Sagadahoc; a sea, large, wide and deep, the boundaries of which 
they are wholh' ignorant of. This cannot be any other than the Southern Ocean, 
reaching to the regions of China, which unquestionably cannot be far from these 
regions. If, therefore, it may please you to keep open your divine eyes on this 
matter of my report, 1 doubt not but your Majesty will perform a work most 
pleasing to God, most honorable to your greatness, and most conducive to the 
weal of your kingdom, which with ardent prayers I most vehemently desire. 
And may God Almighty grant that the majesty of my sovereign I<ord King James 
may remain glorious for ages to come. 

At the Fort ot St. George, in Sagadahoc of Virginia, 13 December, 1607. 

In all things your Majesty's devoted servant. 

GEORGE POPHAM. 



Waymouth— The Keinnebec— The St, Georges, 



The St. Georges has never been called a "great" or a "noble" river ; its moSt 
havigable part is but an arm of the sea^ W hen Waymouth left his ship in Pente- 
cost Harbor to make explorations in his shallop, his Relator states that he took a 
horth-west course \^'hich would be in the direction towards the Kennebec ; to go 
Up the St. Georges would be going north-easterly. It is not on the record of any 
of the exploring Voyages to this Coast either before or after Waymouth, that the 
St. Georges River was given any attention whatever, while nearly, if not quite all 
these ships came into the Kennebec. In making early settlements, the St. 
Georges does not appear to have attracted settlers, while Pemaquid and even the 
Sheepscot plantation wete peopled in advance of it, and those places were in this 
respect, many yeai-s behind the Kennebec, 

It may be considered a significant fact that in the accounts of the voyage of 
Gosnold. no mention was made of his having entered the St. Georges, or an- 
chored in St. Georges Harbor, and the same is true of the Voyages of De Montz 
and Champlain> of Challons, Biencourt, Pring and Hanham, all of whom came to 
the Kennebec, and Champlain is on record as infering that Waj'moUth had been 
into the Kennebec. 

If Waymouth made a thorough survey of the entrance to the St. Georges 
before his ship left Pentecost Harbor, and if he went up that river it is hardly 
possible that on his return he would have made a second survey of its mouth. 
Consequently, it is more than probable that it was the mouth of the Kennebec 
which he surveyed on leaving it. 

• Rosier, the historian of Waymouth's voyage, states: "I Was animated to 
publish this briefe Relation because some foreign nations, being fully assured of 
the fruitfulness of the Coutitrie, have hoped hereby to gain some knowledge of 
the place. This is the cause that I have written neither of the latitude or varia- 
tion most exactly observed by out captain." Naming other information he adds: 
"I have likewise purposely omitted being reserved to be made known for the 
benefit of those who shall goe in the next voyage." 

It is thus evident that if Rosier's Relation be a correct description of the St. 

1 Burrage's Waymouth, 



54 THE LOWER KENNEBEC. 

Georges and its adjacent coast, it is exactly what he intended in order to mislead 
navigators of other nations. With this object in view his ''directly with the 
mountains" in Waymouth's track, must be alike illusory. Bancroft says : "The 
Indian who came back with Popham seems to have been at home in the region of 
the Kennebec, which was probably visited by his Captors." The Popham Col- 
ony was the direct result of the discovery of this "great" river by Waymouth, and 
the Popham ships sailed directly to and landed their colony at its mouth. 
Strachey, who was cotemporaneous with Waymouth and wrote with Rosier's 
Relation before him, makes the explicit statement that the "Archangel sailed up 
the great and benefycial river of .Sagadahoc" and the weight of circumstantial 
evidence tends to show that the Eldorado of Waymouth was the Kennebec. 

Among other eminent historians who have expressed opinions that the great 
river Waymouth discovered was the Kennebec, are McKeen, Dike, Sewall, Pal- 
frey, De Costa, Ballard, Hubbard. 

CHIEF PROMOTERS OF THE SAGADAHOC COLONY. 

Sir Ferdinando Gorges is deserving of the title of Father of American 
civilization. He was born in the year 1573, '" ^'^^ county of Somerset, in 
England. Before he was thirty years old he had won great honor in the 
war with Spain, and the King, to reward his services, made him governor of the 
fortified town of Plymouth in the south-western part of England. 

A pioneer by nature, with broad and liberal views, he was the pattern of a 
magnificent man. It was he who conceived the idea of attempting the colonizing 
of North America. His influence at home was powerful in obtaining a grant from 
James First, that comprised the vast territory of South and North Virginia. He 
was equally potent in interesting Sir John Popham to place his money and his 
exertions in furtherance of his great and hazardous scheme of planting a colony 
on the Sagadahoc, and inducing some of the best men of England to join in the 
enterprise. The indomitable nature of the man was shown in his perseverance in 
further attempts after partial failure of the first adventure, when his coadjutors 
shrank from further effort. 

At a later day Gorges possessed a grant that extended from the Kennebec to 
the Piscataqua river and 60 miles inland. This was during the reign of James 
the First, and when Charles the First succeeded to the throne he abrogated all 
prior crown grants which included that of Gorges. But the King, with whom he 
was a favorite, bestowed upon hira a new charter with extraordinary privileges, 
making him Lord Proprietor of his province of Maine, and he designed to come 



THR LOWER KENNEBEC. 55 

over and assume supreme control of his dominion. But before he was enabled 
to take his departure from England, his Royal friend needed his strong arm to 
wield a sword in defence of the crown. At such a call his loyalty and honor kept 
him to the side of his King until the royal cause went down, when he was impris- 
oned and his estates confiscated both in England and America. He died soon 
after his release from prison in 1647, at the age of 74 years. 

Sir John Popham gave his great influence and wealth to the under- 
taking of the Popham colony. He was one of the most upright and able 
judges that ever sat upon the English bench. He was a native of Huntwith, in 
the County of Somersetshire, and was educated chiefly at Baliol College, in 
Oxford. From hence he removed to the Temple, and was admitted barrister in 
1568. He was afterwards successively sergeant-at-law, solicitor-general, previous 
to his ultimate promotion which took place in 1592. Sir John was a munifi* 
cent patron to Wellington. Here he built a large and elegant house for his own 
residence, which was converted into a garrison for the use of the parliamentary 
army, in th« time of Oliver Cromwell. It was soon after beseiged by the roy- 
alists, and so completely ruined during the contest, that it was never attempted 
to be repaired. He also erected a hospital at the west end of the town, for twelve 
old and infirm persons, the one-half being men. and the other women. Two 
children were also educated here. It was standing in 1813, and the charity 
applied. Sir John endowed it with an estate in land, which is now vested in 
the governors. 

In the south chapel of the church of Wellington, there is a magnificent tomb, 
erected in honor of Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice of England, in the reign 
of Queen Elizabeth. It is surrounded by a handsome pali.sado of wood and iron. 
On the table of the monument are effigfies of Sir John Popham and his lady. He 
is dre.ssed in his judge's robe, chain and small square cap. On the west side of 
this canopy is the following inscription : "Sir John Popham, Lord Chief Justice 
of England, and privy counsel to Queen Elizabeth, and after to King James; died 
the tenth of June, 1607, aged seventy -six, and is here interred." 

COMPLETION OF THE FIRST ERA. 

In the preceding pages of this history is the record of the conspicuous events 
that mark the first occupyation of ancient Sagadahoc by the English race. This 
took place more than a decade in advance of the colonization of Plymouth, Massa- 
chusetts Bay or any other locality on the shores of New England. This primary 



56 THE LOWBft KENKEBfiC, 

occupation is shown to have been a. basis on which was founded the right of Utig- 
land to the territory jf the new world by virtue of actual possession. 

It is likewise evident that in addition to this distinguishing feature in the 
earliest settlements upon the I^ower Kennebec, the proceedings of the Pophani 
colony upon its first landing, inaugurated principles that became fundamental in 
society and government in this country. The first act of these colonists was to 
fecognize the importance of entering upon their untried career by joining in the 
services of the christian religion* For their civil government they adopted the 
liberal principles that have lived in Ametican political institutions to the present 
day : something like a town meeting was held, laWs promulgated and the ap- 
pointment of municipal officers sanctioned. 

It is also a significant incident in the operations of this Colony, that, upon 
locating the place of its settlement, preparations for building a sea-going vessel 
Were immediately made and the work eventually carried on to her successful 
launching upon the Watets of Atkius Bay. 

This was an auspicious event fot the Kennebec. From this small beginning 
this river and the largest city upon it, became the greatest shipbuilding port in 
the world in the construction of wood ships, is holding that position to the pres- 
ent day, and now building government steel War vessels. 

Notwithstanding the bfief stay o/ this colony on these shores, it led the way 
to more permanent settlement by people iiumediately sent over by Gorges and 
other Englishmen, who took an interest in Ameiican colonization. 

In the progress of years and the better recognition of irrefutable facts, the 
conspicuous events connected with the early settlement of the l<ower Kennebet 
will be accorded their merited place in the future histories of New England. 



ERKAT A. 



On page 6 — 1805 should be 1605. 22— Quotation in first paragraph is from 
Strachey. 32 — Third line from bottom, choose should be chose. 42 — Sixth line 
from bottom, was should be were. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 57 



N OT E. 

Part II will contain accounts of the earlier permanent settle- 
ments on tlie Lower Kennebec; of the important fishing sta- 
tions, an industry of which tlie first John Parker was the 
pioneer ; of the thrilling scenes through which the first settlers 
of Arrowsic passed ; of the Indian massacres, battles, and 
devastation of all the villages on the river ; of its re-settlement 
and final success in maintaining its ground against savages ; 
and also biographies of the distinguished men of that period. 

All of this adventurous history will be of great interest to 
the general reader as well as to the historian. 

The appendix of business notices to each number is so 
placed as to be readily detached when holders of these parts 
desire to have them bound in book form. 



ADVERTrSEMKNTS. 



=^iA. G. PAGE, JR.,iE^ 





NEAR POST OFFICE, BATH. 



This well known establisliraent, the iMrof^^st in this section of 
country, has acquired a reputation for dealiuG; in jewelry of 
every variety and ^rade known to the trade, which is constantly 
supplied with fresh goods of the most fashionablrf and latest 
styles, and sold on principles of honorable dealing. 

DIAMONDS.— This Stock is one of the Finest east of Boston and the quality 
of stones is much superior to those ordinarily carried. 

STERLING SILVER.— The trade in this line is very large, having constantly 
on hand a variety of goods from the celebrated firms of Gorham Man'f'g Co., 
W. B. Durgin, J. B. & S. M. Knowles & Co. 

SILVER NOVELTIES.— Comprises all the latest. Rings, comprising hun- 
dreds of patterns from the 75 cent Children's Rings to Soltaire Diamonds with 
many hundreds of dollars 

SILVER PLATED WARE made by Gorham Man'f'g Co., Rogers & Bros., 
Reed & Burton, Wilcox Silver Plate Co. Make a specialty of Low Prices on 
Rogers' Goods. 

FRENCH AND AMERICAN CLOCKS, of all prices from $1.20 to $50- 

SPECTACLES AND EYE GLASSES, of all qualities. 

GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES, the Stock being the largest in the 
State and perfect satisfaction guaranteed in all purchases. 

REPAIRING 1>EPARTMENT.— Only competent men employed, making 
a specialty of Watch Work. 

PINE ENGRAVING of all kinds and without charge on goods purchased of 
us. All goods sold by us guaranteed to give perfect satisfaction. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 59 



THE GREAT 

— Summer Resort Line of America. - 



tit. 



CONNECTING WITH EXCEPTIONAL TRAIN SERVICE 

The White Mountains, 
Sebag"o Lake, 
Portland, 

Poland Springes, 

The Rang-ely Lakes, 

-" — -.A^isriD— — 
Bangor, 

Bar Harbor, 

Moosehead Lake, 

St. Andrews, N. B., 

The Maritime Provinces. 

THIS ROAD ALSO FORMS THE 

«a PICTURESQUE SHORT o I^INE m 

From Portland and Western Mnine to Montreal and the Canadas. Also 

Operating the 

Portland, Mt. Desert and Machias Steamboat 

Company, 

Running bi-weekly steamers between Portland, Rockland, Castine, Deer Isle, 

Sedgwick, South West Harbor, Bar Harbor, Millbridge, 

Jonesport and Machiasport. 

General Offices of the Company at Portland, Me. 

ARTHUR SEWALL, PAYSON TUCKER, 

President. Vice Pres. &. Gen. Man. 

F. E. BOOTHBY, General Passenger and Ticket Agent. 



()0 



ADVKIITISEMENTX. 



KNOX & LINCOLN R. R. 




HAS 



Fine Attractions for Tourists. 

Along its line, is the Ancient and Historic Towns of 

Woolwich, \Viscasset, J\[ewcastle, Pemaquid, 

East Jefferson, Waldoboro, Warren, Thomaston, 

I{ockland, I^ockport and Camden, 

With their Old Ruins, Indian Relics, Ancient Churches, and Fine Scenery, 
Unequaled in any part of the State. 

CONNECTS DAILY WITH STAGES 

At Wiscasset, Newcastle, Waldoboro, Warren and Thomaston; at Rockland, with 

Stage for South Thomaston and Owl's Head; Currier Brothers' Four 

Horse Freight Express every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, to 

and from Rockport and Camden, and 

Frank J. Higgins & Sons' Fine Line of Mail Coaches 

TO AND FROM ROCKPORT AND CAMDEN TWICE A DAY. 

Steamers leave Rockland for Bangor and all points on the Penobscot River, 
Ml. Dessert, yinal Haven, Ellsworth, Castine, and Machias, 



-See Posters for Days of Sailing, Etc.- 



This road runs in close connection with Maine Central Railroad at Bath. 



JOHN T. BERRY, Pres. 



W. L. WHITE, Supt. 



ADTERTISEMEXTS. 



m. 



MERCHANTS' 




*^ 




E 




'D 



(SUCCESSORS TO MERCHANTS' MARINE INS. CO.) 

B JL IsT a- O K., 

OFFICE. 28 WEST MARKET SQ. 

Risks taken on Hulls, Freights and 
Cargoes on Liberal Terms. 

— -^CAPITAL ALL PAID IN $10aOOO.§=— 



©II^Eeffl^^ 



James G. Pendleton, 
John L. Cutler, 
Charles V. Lord, 
Charles P. Stetson, 



L. J. Morse, 
John Cassidy, 
Edward Stetson, 
Edward L. Stewart, 



Edward B. Nealley. 

E. B. NEALLEY, Pres. WM. B. SNOW, SeCy. 



fi2 



advehtisvments. 



DAVID T. PERCY & SONS, 

Dry Goods, Carpets, 

Oil Cloths and Window Shades, 
Crockery, Silver ^Plated Ware and Lamps, 




THREE BEEHIVE STORES. 

We Carry the Largest Stock ! 

We do the Largest Business ! 

We Sell at Lowest Prices ! 

TKR^Spec'iiil iitteiition oiveii to Vessels Outfits. 

S<>, {>() :siul tlO I loiit Stioet, Batli, 3I»'. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 63 



Sagadahock House, 

With JERE SHANNON and H. A. HUSE, as Proprietors, 



is unsurpassed in the State in comfort and elegance, by the 
recently remodeHno; of the interior of the house, too^ether with 
the additions of all the modern improvements of water, electric 
lights, and other desirable conveniences, nicely arranged and 
cosily furnished apartments, with a large, well lighted and airy 
dining room, where is served the best the raai'ket affords. 

Added to the hotel is a Livery Stable, that has likewise 
undergone complete renovation, with enlarged facilities, where 
are kept a large stock of the very best driving horses, and car- 
riages of the most modern style and of every description. 

Summer sojourners find at this hotel a comfortable home 
with abundant facilities to make daily trips to enjoy the air of 
the sea coast. 



64 ADVERllSEMKNTS. 

The Kennebec Steam I^aundry. 

Such an estiiblisliment as this hiis been a long felt want in 
Bath, and two enterprising y<»nng men have recently under- 
taken the business, Thej' are occupying a building on Com- 
mercial Street, immediately north of the Ferry Landing. Into 
this, where there is ample room, they have placed the latest 
improved machinery, which is run by a neat engine. By the 
process used, wear and tear of the garments are entirely 
avoided and at the same time they come out perfectly cleansed, 
dried and ironed. The process is so speedy, that goods can be 
washed and delivered at very short notice. The prices are so 
low, that family washing is done cheaper than it can be done 
at home, and the collecting of the goods and delivery of them 
without charge is a. great convenience to customers. Sufficient 
patronage has already been secured to ensure the success of 
this new enterprise. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



65 



Samuel Anderson, 

■ DRUGGIST AND APOTHECARY, 

••-^l^AND DEALER IN'*^^^*^'- 

Trusses, * E^lastic * Stockings, 

Surgical Instrunients, Etc. 




Our new Sprinsj Pari Truss, devised for the permniient relief 
of snfif'erers from Hernia, will hold the rupture with great- 
est ease to the pntient and is acl-nowledged hy physi- 
ciiins to be superior to any other. 



iysiciGir)s T^pescripfior^s ar)d Or)ip aT)d rtcirrjiiv /'ieaicirje vfir)GsIs 
(@r Gt ©peciGilty. ©) 

In Our Prescription Depa-rtment, so long established, a Com- 
petent Person may always be found in attendance. 

1^0 FEOJVT STREET. 



66 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 






Y:99^ion/Q^l,Ma/^/^, ^e. 



T'oanc/ Qj^ioot Q/'/ci^^to. 




(^/{M! yl/o^Ji oOo-n^e Su trie Jndtamia.ri.eai^ 



AD VERTISEM ENTS. 



67 



*» LED Y ARD,^ 

MEN AND BOYS' OUTFITTER, 

48 and 50 Centre St., Bath, Maine. 

Custom Made Clothins:, 

FOR IMMEDIATE WEAR FOR 

MEN, BOYS, AND CHILDREN, 

^ FINE * HATS. 




m 



JSeckwear, Hosiery, Gloves, 
and Underwear. 



The Best is None too Good. 

^ LED YARD, m 

48 and 50 Centre St., Bath, Maine. 



08 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



(©[©(a THE W®)'®) 



H 



H 



D" 



H 



A WIDE AWAKE LOCAL AND COUNTY NEWSPAPER 
FOR EVERYBODY. 

PUBLISHED TWICE A WEEK, 

WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY. 



Subscription Price, One Year $L50; 8 Months $100 

6 Months 75 Cents; 3 Months 40 Cents. 

Payable in Advance. 



First Class Advertising Solicited, 
send for rates, 



J. F. UPTON, Editor and Publisher, 

778 WASHINGTON STREET. BATH, MAINE. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



69 



J. G. WASHBURN 



DEALER IN 




-AND 



Musical Instruments of all Kinds. 



^v^Abtist^ 



ATEBIAlcSe^^ 



Headquarters for Picture Frames. 

36 Centre Street, Bath, Maine. 



70 ADVERTISEMENTS. 



A, K, GILMORE & SON, 



-3iSurgeon^ Dentists.iE- 



Parlors, 46 Front Street. 



A. K. GILMORE. A. R. GILMORE. 



A, K, GILMORE & SON, 
Homoeopathic Pharmacy. 

DKAI<KRS IN 

HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES, BOOKS. 
FAMILY CASES, 

Vials, Corks, an'cl all ntlu^.r articles in the Jiomceopathic Line. 

18J^^N. B. Any McMlirim-s or Books not in stock will lie ])ro- 
cuied jit slioit notice. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



71 



The New Boot and Shoe Store. 

— — <<» ■ > 

-AS FRANK A. LUCE,5v- 

Has purchased the stock hitely that of C. H. Bigelow, in the 

Store at 132 P'roiit Street, 
Which w;is obtained at a heavy discount from the original cost, 
the benefit of which w'tll accrue to purchasers, to close it out, 
making room for new goods. This stock is neither old nor 
shopworn nor out of style. It is a rare opportunity for Choice 
Bargains. 

To this stock is being added new goods, well selected and 
adapted to the wants of this market, with prices that touch the 
lowest possible figures. Repairing is made a specialty. 

C. T. HOOPER & SON, 



-DEALERS IN- 




H 





Crockery, China and Glass Ware. 

Lamps; Window Shades, Room Mouldings, Etc. 
BATH, MAINE. 



N. B. Remember Our Prices are the Lowest. 



72 ADVERtlSEMENTS. 

MARBLE AND GRANITE 

-^\^ "\a7" O zee IZ S - 5V^ 



Batli l)as now an establislim-'Mit of this kind, That hv the 
snj)(Mio)- work it turns out, makes it no Ioniser necessary 
for the people of this city to <j;o elsewhere for Monuments. 
Head Stones and all kinds of Memorial Work, executed 
fiom the finest marble and granites produced in this 
country, and the best im|)orte(l. 

It was at this establishment tiiat the magnificent monu- 
ment of Mr. B. W. Movs(^ was designed and chiseled, and 
now the most conspicuous and admiied adornment of the 
beautiful Oak Grove Cemetery. 

Mr. William Liberty, the projjrietor of these works, 
which are on North Street, near the Cemetery, gives his 
personal attention to the business, in conducting which 
his taste and skill is unquestionable, while his jM'ices for 
first class work are reasonable. 




h 



I 



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I 



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